What Is Legal 500?

March 22nd, 2019

The Legal 500 United Kingdom, is the leading guide to law firms in the UK and is aimed at buyers of legal services. The Legal 500 is revised and updated annually usually in September. Law firms are invited to make a submission in accordance with The Legal 500 guidelines for which there are different jurisdictions and separate timetables applicable.

The Legal 500 analyses the capabilities of law firms with a comprehensive research programme and assesses the strengths of law firms in over 100 jurisdictions. In our area of expertise, we are required to provide specific details of work undertaken in the preceding year (some of which will be confidential and not in the public domain).

Following a law firms’ submission, The Legal 500 then carry out research based on feedback from clients listed in a submission by way of references and interviews. The rankings are based on a series of criteria, but simply put, they highlight the practice area teams who are providing the most cutting edge and innovative advice to corporate counsel. Firms are then ranked according to location and practice area; leading individuals in each field are also listed. Every firm ranked, and every individual mentioned – in The Legal 500 UK is “recommended”.

Hawkins Family Law is currently ranked in The Legal 500 as a “Leading Firm with a very professional team that delivers a high-class service” 2018/19, our Managing Director, Jo Hawkins as a “Leading Individual 2018/19” and Loraine Davenport, Annabel Hayward and Stacey St. Clair as “Recommended Lawyers” for further information in regards to our rankings, please click here https://www.legal500.com/c/south-east/private-client/family-beds-bucks-herts-middx

Michelle joined Hawkins Family Law in June 2014 as our Practice Manager. Her experience in Solicitors Practices spans 25 years and has covered a diverse range of activities from facilities management, HR, finance, complaints handling and much more. Michelle has a passion for Practice Management and enjoys problem solving. Michelle has a full appreciation of the regulatory demands and a keen eye for detail that allows her to provide experienced and practical support to Hawkins Family Law.

She is particularly supportive to the Directors in managing the practice, and developing the quality and range of services on offer, ensuring the practice development and growth is aligned with our client’s needs. The team at Hawkins Family Law is described by The Legal 500 (2015) as “exemplary.”

Talk To One Of Our Legal Experts

01908 262680

Talk To One Of Our Legal Experts

01908 262680

2019 Family: Beds, Bucks, Herts and Middx – South East

Hawkins Family Law fields 'a very professional team that delivers a high-class service and has strength-in-depth from senior to junior level'. Managing director and team head Jo Hawkins provides 'clear and accurate advice and moral support through often testing times for her clients; she focuses on deriving the best long-term outcome for her client and other parties'. The practice has particular strength financial matters, including divorce and ToLATA proceedings. Other key figures include Loraine Davenport, who has strong collaborative law expertise and handles complex children cases and high-net-worth ancillary relief matters; Annabel Hayward, who focuses on complex financial provision and co-habitation matters; and Stacey St Clair.

2019 Family/Matrimonial – Milton Keynes and surrounds

What the team is known for
Boutique family law firm that punches above its weight in terms of high-value and complex matrimonial finance instructions relating to business assets, pensions and substantial property portfolios, including assisting with the handling of assets abroad. Also represents clients in the negotiation of wealth protection agreements and private law childcare arrangements. Fields a team trained in collaborative law and alternative dispute resolution.

Strengths
An impressed client says: "The team's personal service and individual care is a great asset,"adding that the lawyers are "always available to assist and understand the occasional need for immediate advice and guidance, providing a very reassuring service."